Crooked Slide Park: Discover It’s Beautiful Hidden Charm

Welcome to my blog post about Crooked Slide Park, a hidden gem nestled in the outskirts of Barry’s Bay, Ontario. This charming little park is home to a unique feature that sets it apart from any other park in the area – a logging slide made entirely of wood. Not only is the park beautiful and well-maintained, but it also offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you require a quick rest stop on your journey or looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, Crooked Slide Park is definitely worth a visit.

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How To Get To Crooked Slide Park

In the Madawaska Valley, off of Combermere Road (aka County Rd 62) is Old Barry’s Bay Road. Follow this road for 1.9 km until you reach Crooked Slide Park on the left. Driving in from Toronto, you can expect a 3.5-hour drive and from Ottawa, 2 hours. Below is a map of the Crooked Slide Park area.

Crooked Slide Park is located at 343 Old Barrys Bay Rd, Barry’s Bay, ON K0J 1B0. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Crooked Slide Park?

We have visited the park a few times at various times during the heat of the summer and have never had any trouble getting a parking spot. The logging park does get a steady trickle of visitors, but nothing overwhelming.

History

Before we delve into what you can expect to see at Crooked Slide, you should know the history to understand the importance of this park. Constructed in the early 1900s was a log chute on Byers Creek. The Crooked Slide chute was used to float logs from various areas to the Madawaska River. The purpose of the chute was to prevent log jams at narrow bends by diverting water through a control dam. The logs would then fall back into the creek and continue floating to Combermere. Murray Bros. Lumber Company donated the land for the chute and park area. The chute was reconstructed twice, in 1973 and 1994. The Crooked Slide is of great importance to the area, which is why the historic log chute remains a unique attraction.

Exploring Ontario’s Hidden Gem

There is no cost to visit Crooked Slide Park. At the entrance to the park, you will find a clean outhouse. Surrounding the parking area are a few picnic areas. The grounds are clean and well-maintained. As you enter the parking lot, you will see the beautifully constructed log slide and a man-made waterfall. 

There are short paths and trails around the logging slide that you are welcome to trek. You also have a chance to walk to the other side of the chute via a connected bridge, which offers a unique perspective. Around the slide are so many nooks and crannies to explore, each offering magnificent views of the chute, the falls and the river.

Crooked Park will definitely keep the children entertained. From admiring the cascading waterfalls, the water drop and the logging slide to taking a dip within various points of the park, there is something to do for everyone. Crooked Slide Park is both child and dog-friendly.

RELATED: Discover the Hidden Beauty of Egan Chutes Provincial Park

The Crooked Slide Park Trails

There are a few low points on the paths and trails where it can get slippery from pooled water. But other than this, the walk is pretty straightforward. The bridge also had a few sketchy spots to watch for, but it’s not a tall bridge that you need to worry about falling. 

For a longer hike, you can walk the 3.7 km trail from Crooked Slide Park to McGillivray Lookout. Although someone mentioned that the hike could be treacherous in certain areas, and the lookout isn’t the best. Having small children, we opted not to hike this particular trail system, but if you do, let me know how it went. 🙂

Nearby Attractions

While Crooked Slide Park is a destination, there are plenty of other attractions in the area that you won’t want to miss. This area is rich in Polish history and culture. Fifteen minutes from the park is the town of Barry’s Bay, where you will find a historic landmark – Zurakowski Park, that offers a glimpse into the amazing life of a Polish Canadian test pilot, Jan Zurakowski. He is known for testing the Canadian supersonic interceptor CF-105 Avro Arrow. 

This area also boasts many parks and parkettes, such as the Mayflower Centennial Park. The park is located at 39249 Combermere Road in Comberemere. Here, you can launch your boat or take in the gorgeous views and immerse yourself in the history of the Mayflower accident.

Also, in Barry’s Bay for those looking to do a bit of shopping, Grumblin’ Granny’s is a fun little shop to visit. It’s quirky and packed with your typical touristy souvenirs and then some. 

And for a quick bite to eat, the Polka Spudz food truck is the place to go in Barry’s Bay. The food does not disappoint! My favourite is the 6-piece pierogies with sour cream and onion. And the kids love their cheeseburgers, which are juicy and made with fresh meat. It has become a regular stop any time we visit the area. 

A Polish couple operates the food truck and cooks everything fresh to order. They can get super busy, and since only two people are working the food truck, it can take time to receive your order. However, the couple is amicable enough to warn you about the wait times when ordering. 

RELATED: For a more natural attraction, about an hour away from Crooked Slide Park is the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario.

Conclusion: Why Crooked Slide Park is a Must-Visit Destination

Crooked Slide is not your ordinary park. It’s a place where adventure and imagination collide. From the thrill of the crooked slide to the serenity of the landscape, every corner of the park holds a surprise waiting to be discovered. So, gather your loved ones, pack a picnic basket, and prepare to embark on a journey to a world of wonder. Crooked Slide Park in Barry’s Bay is waiting to enchant you with its hidden charm.

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